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Italian Phrase

Quanto vuoi guadagnare?

/ˈkwan.to ˈvwɔi ɡwa.danˈɲa.re/
Meaning"How much do you want to earn?"
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Meaning

Literally, “How much do you want to earn?” It is a direct way to ask someone about the amount of money they hope to make, usually in a professional or financial context. The question can be used to discuss salary expectations, freelance rates, or personal income goals.

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When to use

Use this phrase during job interviews, salary negotiations, or informal conversations about career plans. It works best with people you know well or in a relaxed setting; in very formal contexts you might opt for a more polite construction.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Quantovuoiguadagnare?

1

Quanto (question word)

Used to ask about quantity or amount; it agrees with the noun it modifies in gender and number.

2

Vuoi (volere, present 2nd person singular)

The verb ‘volere’ expresses desire; in the present tense, ‘vuoi’ is the informal ‘you want’.

3

Guadagnare (infinitive)

An infinitive verb meaning ‘to earn’ or ‘to make money’; placed after ‘vuoi’ to form a verb‑infinitive construction.

🗨In Conversation

A

Quanto vuoi guadagnare?

How much do you want to earn?

Mi piacerebbe guadagnare almeno 30 000 euro all'anno.

I would like to earn at least 30,000 euros a year.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Che vuoi guadagnare?

    ‘Che’ is not used to ask about amount; use ‘quanto’ instead.

  • Vuoi guadagnare quanto?

    The word order sounds unnatural; place ‘quanto’ at the beginning.

  • Quanto vuole guadagnare?

    When speaking formally, add ‘lei’ or use a more polite construction.

↔Alternatives

  • Che stipendio desideri?

    What salary do you desire?

  • Quanto salario vuoi?

    How much salary do you want?

  • Qual è la tua retribuzione ideale?

    What is your ideal compensation?

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Cultural Tip

In Italy, discussing salary openly can be considered a bit forward, especially with strangers. It’s common to soften the question with phrases like “Qual è la tua aspettativa salariale?” or to wait until the employer brings up compensation. Also, note that regional differences exist: in the north, salary negotiations tend to be more direct, while in the south a more indirect approach is preferred.